Watershed Manager

Columbia, MD

Posted: 06/17/25 Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Manager Job Number: 106711 Pay Rate: 100,0000 - 130,000

Job Description


Watershed Manager
Summary:
Reports to the Sustainability Manager with overall responsibility for implementing the Watershed Management Plan and for developing and administering a watershed management program for an organization in Columbia, MD. This position is also responsible for supporting water quality monitoring, sediment management in the main lakes and resident engagement programming, while also assisting other divisions and departments within the organization on watershed policy compliance. Broad advisory support for managing stormwater runoff, the design and construction of bioretention facilities, pond rehabilitation, and stream ecology monitoring. Position is also responsible for review, analysis, recommendations and testimony on State and local legislation affecting watershed issues in Columbia. 

Essential functions:
  • Able to visually inspect conditions of grounds, lakes, streams, ponds and other watershed areas 
  • Must have basic practical understanding of construction standards 
  • Ability to conduct field (hands-on) sampling/assessment/surveying 
  • Must have basic knowledge and understanding of watershed characteristics, identify potential solutions and facilitate project implementation. 
  • Possess basic knowledge and understanding of county and state regulations, policies and requirements 
  • Must have basic knowledge and understanding of best management practices that will lead to a more environmentally sustainable department 
  • Works outside under any kind of weather conditions 
  • Able to purchase major items, equipment, materials and consulting services at reasonable cost and within the organizations purchasing guidelines  
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to senior team leaders and community members 
  • Ability to develop and assist in the management of capital and operating budgets, controlling expenditures in accordance with the approved budget    


Additional responsibilities: 
  • Develop and implement an annual watershed management program 
  • Develop concept plans and cost estimates for future implementation 
  • Develop bid documents and issue RFP’S and IFB’s 
  • Navigate and dialog with permitting agencies 
  • Manage construction/implementation of stormwater best management practices 
  • Prioritize projects that are identified throughout the year 
  • Various water quality enhancements at ponds and lakes (floating islands, shoreline improvements) 
  • Administer and implement various outreach and assistance programs  
  • Set benchmarks and measure success of watershed management through water quality monitoring and resident behavior assessment: 
  • Establish water quality monitoring sites and protocols 
  • Initiate/conduct monitoring in the watersheds, specifically aimed toward lakes, ponds, streams 
  • Resident and property owners’ behavior (through surveys) 
  • Assist other divisions and departments within the organization on watershed policy compliance including facility operation practices and capital improvement projects 
  • Routinely research and review grant availability and qualifications for funding to the organization in a variety of areas related to comprehensive watershed issues; including but not limited to:  
  • Federal, state and local grants to fund projects and outreach programs, such as:  
  • NFWF 
  • DNR 
  • MDE 
  • CBT  
  • Other 
  • Prepare/oversee grant applications and coordinate with partners in the process 
  • Resident outreach, assistance and education (manage, coordinate, and/or assist Communications and Marketing staff, Open Space Management staff, and watershed partners). 

Programs such as: 
  • Events 
  • Columbia-wide stream monitoring and clean-up projects 
  • Reforestation (community volunteers and internal operations) 
  • Watershed Management Practices workshops and seminars for residential and commercial properties  
  • Community events  
  • Community Education 
  • Neighborhood Source Assessments 
  • Content of the Watershed Website 
  • Watershed Educational Material  
  • Village Newsletter Materials
  • Review and analyze State and local legislation related to watershed management issues in Columbia 
  • Coordinate the analysis of pending legislation with other units within the organization
  • Write position recommendations for review by Senior staff and Board of Directors 
  • Write and present testimony at both State and Local level related to pending legislation affecting watershed issues in Columbia 
  • Oversee the Sediment Management Plan for the main lakes in Columbia. 
  • Work within the Department to develop RFP’s related to sediment management in the lakes 
  • Manage consultants working on bathymetry, sedimentation estimates, updates of the schedule of activities and updates of the Sediment Management Plan   

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 10-15 years of professional experience in aquatic ecology, watershed management, stormwater management, and/or water quality 
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills 
  • Proven ability to effectively deal with the public and provide customer service 
  • Maryland driver's license (Class C) 

Preferred Qualifications and Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in physical or biological science. Masters preferred in related field. 
  • Previous in-field (hands-on) sampling/assessment/surveying experience 
  • Familiarity with state regulations, policies and requirements 
  • Documented experience in multi-departmental operations 

Physical demands:
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time  
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb without any difficulty for extended periods of time.  
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted for short periods of time  
  • Must be able to work outside under any kind of weather conditions 

Meet Your Recruiter

Carissa Griffith
Project Manager

Amateur house flipper and DIY enthusiast. Always planning my next vacation destination. Proud Dallas Cowboys fan. I enjoy getting to know people and finding the right career for them.

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